Automotive Technician
- Technical Diploma
Program Number:
Program Credits:
Estimated Total Cost:
Typical Start:
Mechanically inclined? Like solving problems? If so, you might find a career as an automotive technician challenging as well as rewarding. With a focus on hands-on experiences in this technical diploma program, you’ll learn to diagnose and repair problems in engines, drive trains, brakes, electrical systems, steering, suspension, transmission systems as well as hybrid and alternative fuel systems. Coursework covers the basics of operating an automotive repair business. You’ll learn skills that will help you communicate with customers and gain valuable experience by making repairs on student and faculty vehicles in an actual shop.
The program prepares you for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification. Graduates find jobs in car dealerships, independent repair shops, and other related areas.
Classes are held at Western's state-of-the-art Automotive Facility, located in La Crosse's industrial park, 2721 Larson Street. Check our interactive map [1] for specific location information.
Program instructors accept vehicle work from the public that fits with the topic they are covering in class. To apply for this service, complete the Automotive Repair Request Form [2].
*Please note that the delivery method for fall courses may change as the COVID-19 situation unfolds. Our goal is to ensure that teaching and learning happens in a safe environment. We will communicate updates as quickly as possible.
Automotive Technician 2018-2019 Graduation Employment Stats
| Graduates | 16 |
| Graduates Responding | 11 |
| Employed in Related Occupation | 9 |
| Employed in Non-related Occupations | 1 |
| Seeking Employment | 0 |
| Continuing Education | 1 |
| Not in Labor Market | 1 |
Salary Data - Related Employment
| Part Time | Full Time | |
|---|---|---|
| Responding | 1 | 8 |
| Average Hours Per Week | 43 | |
| Median Hourly Wage | $17.00 | |
| Hourly Wage Range | $13.50-$21.00 | |
| Median Annual Salary | $38,500.00 |
Respondents in Related Occupations
- Head of Operations/ Technician; Cordells Automotive, Onalaska, WI
- Technician; Brenengen, West Salem, WI
- Service Technician; Rudig Jensen, New Lisbon, WI
- Automotive Technician; Cordells Automotive, Onalaska, WI
- Mechanic; Kwik Trip, La Crosse, WI
- Technician; Clason Buick GMC, La Crosse, WI
- Parts Salesman/Independent; Advanced Auto Parts, La Crosse, WI
Career Opportunities
Program Outcomes
- Living responsibly
- Refining professionalism
- Cultivating passion
- Demonstrate professionalism appropriate for the auto service industry
- Perform diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive internal combustion engines
- Perform diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive automatic transmission/transaxle systems
- Perform diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive manual drive train and axle systems
- Perform diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive steering and suspension systems
- Perform diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive brake systems
- Perform diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive electrical and electronic systems
- Perform diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive heating and air conditioning systems
- Perform diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive engine performance systems
Admission Requirements:
College Requirements
Application:
Application Fee:
Accreditation
The Automotive Technician program is accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF [3]).
[4]
Career Pathways:
Automotive Technician
Prior Learning:
Previous education and work experience could qualify for Credit for Prior Learning, saving you time and money. Find out more [5] about what may apply to this program.
Technical Diploma:
Courses
The following list is not the official course list for this program. It is intended to give students an idea of what coursework will be required.
Current students should use the MyWestern [6] self-service portal when registering for class.